Commercial keepsake  ultrasound services gives families a sneak preview of their growing baby. These services may create an opportunity to create memories and see the sex the baby. However  the use of an ultrasound for non medical purpose is not recommended.

During an ultrasound exam, high frequency sound energy is used to scan a woman’s abdomen and pelvic cavity to create a picture of the baby and placenta.  This is a non invasive procedure and is not known to cause any harm to the baby.  However the  long-term effect of repeated and lengthy use is unknown.

The U.S Food  and Drug administration FDA  recommends that an ultrasound should be recommended by a physician for medical  purposes  and performed by a trained professional. If an ultrasound is performed by an untrained professional, it may reveal an anomaly that is misinterpreted.

Official statement on keepsake  ultrasounds

 
FDA : The FDA disapproved the use of ultrasound  for non medical purposes. People who subject  individuals to diagnostic ultrasound device (a prescription device) without a physician’s order may be in violation of state or local laws or regulations regarding use of a prescription medical device.

American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) : The AIUM recommends that a trained medical professional such as registered sonographer who is specialized in fetal imaging  perform all ultrasound scans.

These individuals should be trained enough to detect problems such as congenital abnormalities and should have techniques to avoid  ultrasound exposure beyond what is considered safe for the fetus. Any other use of the limited ultrasound device is considered practice of medicine without a license . It is recommended by the AIUM that all imaging have proper documentation and the final report for the patient records signed by a physician.
 
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